Fly-tippers warned they’ll more than likely be caught

Those residents participating in fly-tipping are being
warned they’re more than likely going to be
prosecuted.

Natasha Simmons, Council’s rubbish and
recycling asset engineer said dumping rubbish on roadsides
and in creeks and rivers was commonly called
fly-tipping.

“It can range from throwing a wrapper
out the car window as you’re driving, to large scale
dumping of unwanted household goods and green waste. Those
people who choose to illegally dump rubbish are not only
damaging our environment but costing ratepayers money in
unnecessary clean-up and disposal expenses,” she said.

Between January 2012 and December 2013, 93 cases of
fly-tipping were reported to the Council, with 69 offenders
fined either $150 or $250. Four offenders were fined $400
for dumping dangerous litter.

Last year it is
estimated between $200,000 and $300,000 of ratepayers money
was spent on cleaning up fly-tipping.

“All this
has to be cleaned up by Council staff or contractors who
climb down banks, wade through streams, and negotiate busy
roadways to ensure it’s all collected,” Natasha said.
“When litter is thrown on the roadside or down banks, it
invariably finds its way into our watercourses, affecting
not only aquatic life but also bird life.”

If you
see someone fly-tipping please do not approach them. Instead
record the date, time, location and license plate number of
the vehicle with a description of the offender. Ring the
Council on 356 8199 with this information.

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